Busy Easter for Springwell runners

Springwell runners travelled to Ballyliffin, on the Inishowen Peninsula on Saturday for the popular Ballyliffin International 10-mile Coastal Challenge.

It was a worthwhile trip, not only were the runners treated to beautiful scenery, on a coastal course that skirts the Atlantic Ocean, but several of the Northern Ireland runners picked up prizes. Foyle Valley’s Pius McIntyre, a regular podium finisher in local races, won the event in 57:29. He was followed across the line by last year’s winner, John Harkin (Tullamore Harriers), in 58:07and Stephen Connor (Foyle Valley AC) finished third in 59:32.

Northern Ireland ladies collected all the main prizes in the women’s race, with Sperrin Harriers Karen Alexander covering the distance in 1:04:36 to seal an impressive victory. Springwell Running Club’s Alison Rankin (1:09:57) finished in second place, while her club mate Karen McLaughlin clocked 1:12:13 to take third place.

There were record numbers turned at the twenty fourth running of the SPAR Omagh Half Marathon on Saturday.

In favourable weather conditions, Stephen Scullion (Clonliffe Harriers) re-wrote the record books, breaking the course record as he came home to win in 1:04:46. In the ladies race, Anne Marie McGlynn topped off an excellent solo performance, which saw her lead from start to finish, claiming a well-deserved victory in 1:20:03.

The Easter weekend attracted a few extra runners to the Portrush Parkrun on Saturday. Being Easter it was decided mark the occasion with an egg and spoon race. The 76 runners set off with their spoons and picked up their cream eggs at the turn. The high tide at 8.00am meant there was some firm sand for the runners. Springwell’s Bryan Edgar led the runners home in 19:49 with Lagan Valley’s Julie Murphy first lady in 22:45.